With the 4th overall pick, the Chicago Bulls select Ja Morant, G, Murray State University
If the lottery order stays this way, the Bulls would have to be stoked. With their recent play, it is highly unlikely that they will get 14 percent odds at the first pick and Ja Morant falling to the fourth pick would be a dream come true for the Bulls. The team has finally addressed its gap at the small forward spot and will look to address the point guard position.
Unlike the first three selections in this mock, Morant was not a highly recruited prospect, playing at the small program at Murray State. He also varies from the Blue Devil trio in that he is a sophomore. However, he is young for his class, as he does not turn 20 until August.
Ja has put up unreal numbers at Murray State, averaging 24.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks on just shy of 50 percent shooting. Morant possesses great athleticism, being able to get to the rim with ease and can jump out of the building.
The Murray State standout does have some question marks with him. Morant playing against small-school competition may be concerning, but if Murray State can get a tournament bid, he may be able to prove that his play will translate against top competition.
Morant’s biggest problem is his shooting from beyond the arc, which has not been good in his collegiate career. However, neither of these should deter the Bulls from snagging him.
If the draft were to end up in this way, the Bulls starting lineup could look like next season…
PG- Ja Morant (20)
SG- Zach LaVine (24)
SF- Otto Porter Jr. (26)
PF- Lauri Markkanen (22)
C- Wendell Carter Jr. (20)
The way I see it, the opportunity to select Morant is best case scenario for Chicago. Morant fills a very clear need at the 1, and allows Chicago to focus on bringing in pieces to fix an atrocious bench.